Method for transferring data from a device to a data management means, switching unit, device and system

ABSTRACT

Method for transferring data from a device to a data management means, switching unit, device and system The invention relates to a method for transferring data (16) from a device (6) to a data management means (4). In order to reduce the amount of data transferred and according to the method of the invention, using modeling data (26, 42) present in the device (6) a model (30, 44) described by the modeling data (26, 42) is determined. Using the model (30, 44), the data that is actually to be transferred to the data management means (4) is selected from a volume of data (40) provided for transfer. The device (6) transfers the selected data to the data management means (4).

The invention relates to a method for transferring data from a device to a data management means.

Nowadays data is transferred ever more frequently from a device to a data management means—for example a cloud. The data management means can then store, manage and/or analyze the data. Usually large volumes of data are generated in the device, which usually have to be transferred via the network to the data management means. This can lead to the network becoming overloaded and/or to the performance of the network being adversely affected. If the data is sent to the data management means by mobile radio then high costs also arise because of the large volumes of data. It can even be that a bandwidth of the mobile radio is insufficient for the volume of data to be transferred.

In order to reduce the volume of data the data can be compressed. However the volume of data can only be reduced to a limited extent by the data compression.

One object of the invention is to specify a method for transferring data from a device to the data management means, in which the volume of data to be transferred is reduced.

The object is achieved by a method for transferring data from a device to a data management means, in which, in accordance with the invention, using modeling data present in the device, a model that describes the modeling data is determined. Using the model, in accordance with the invention, the data that is actually to be transferred to the data management means is selected from a volume of data provided for transfer. The device transfers the selected data to the data management means.

The idea of the invention is not to have to transfer all data of a volume of data provided for transfer. On the basis of the model the data of the volume of data that will be transferred to the data management means can be selected. In this way the amount of data to be transferred—and thereby preferably a volume of data transferred—can be reduced.

In principle it would also be possible to reduce the volume of data transferred by transferring every second data value or data point of a volume of data provided for transfer. In this case however a characteristic of the volume of data can get lost. The definition of the model allows a sensible way of selecting the data to be transferred. Expediently the characteristic of the volume of data is taken into consideration by the model in this case.

The device is expediently a unit that can be operated in a technical environment. The device can further comprise a number of units that can be operated in a technical environment, wherein each of the units is capable of functioning individually.

The data management means can be a server for example. The data management means can further be a cloud. In particular the data management means can be an Internet of Things service. The transferred data can be stored and/or managed by means of the data management means. The transferred data can further be analyzed and/or presented visually by the data management means.

The cloud in such cases can have one or more servers, one or more platforms and/or one or more applications, i.e. computer programs (which run on or are capable of running on one or more platforms). The cloud can involve a Siemens cloud system known as MindSphere. In this system the cloud is realized by one or more processing units for example, which preferably make one or more services available. These services in their turn can be called through so-called Application Programming Interfaces, APIs, for example.

The cloud can thus be connected for communication purposes to one or more automation devices. The connection can or will be set up for example by a device, referred to below as the interface device. The interface device can be a MindConnect Nano from Siemens for example. In such cases one or more of the automation devices can be connected to the interface device. The interface device can thus serve to accept data via one or more protocols and makes it possible to transfer this data to the cloud. The interface device in this case can support the transfer of encrypted data via a secure Internet connection, in order to make cloud-based applications and services possible. To establish a connection for communication with the cloud, i.e. with at least one device in the cloud, what is known as an edge device functioning as an interface between the respective interface device and the cloud is used. Such an edge device has corresponding functionality for the purposes of the connection to the cloud, i.e. in the widest sense it has a (wireless or wired) Internet access and software functionality for using usual Internet protocols, for example HTTP and/or HTTPS.

One or more automation devices in such cases are preferably connected to the interface device for the purposes of communication via a bus system, such as a field bus for example. The field bus can involve an industrial Ethernet, in particular Profinet, HART or Profibus. The interface device can thus receive a volume of data from the automation device. The interface device can thus, as described here, receive a volume of data provided for transfer. This volume of data can for example contain all data transferred from one or more automation devices to the interface device. Preferably only the data selected for the transfer on the basis of the model will be transferred from the interface device to the data management means.

Thus an existing system, such as an automation plant, can be upgraded by the proposed interface device without the automation devices themselves containing a corresponding model for selection of data to be transferred. Thus the connection for communication in an automation plant, for example between the automation devices and a control unit for controlling a process running in the plant, can carry on as normal but only the data selected on the basis of the model will be transferred from the interface device to the data management device during this process. The individual automation devices of the automation plant thus do not have to have the data model available to them and select data for transfer. This function is carried out by the interface device. Otherwise a selection of data provided for transfer by an individual automation device would not be possible or would only be possible with difficulty, since usually all data transferred from an automation device, such as for example position values, temperature values etc. is used for control, by means of a control unit for example, such as e.g. a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) of a process running in the plant. In such cases the interface device is preferably installed on site, i.e. in the automation plant.

The one or more automation devices can involve one or more sensors, one or more actuators and/or one or more process-related components. Preferably the interface device thus has one model for each automation device, in particular for each sensor operating according to the same measurement principle. Data of a number or sensors or other automation devices of the same type can thus be processed or selected on the basis of a single model. The interface device can further include a number of models for selection of data to be transferred when automation devices of different types are present in the system for example.

Expediently the device transfers the modeling data at least in part to the data management means. It is further preferred for the model to be determined by means of the data management means.

Preferably the model is determined on the basis of the modeling data transferred to the data management means.

The formulation that the model is determined “using modeling data present in the device” can thus be interpreted as the model being determined at least on the basis of at least a part of the modeling data present in the device. This means that, to determine the model, not all the modeling data present in the device has to be included. Preferably at least a part of the modeling data present in the device is included for determining the model. Further data can be included as well for determining the model.

Preferably the model is a mathematical model. The model can further be a current model. The model can be determined by means of a regression method for example. The current model can further be determined by means of machine learning. In particular the current model can be determined by means of what is referred to as deep learning, for example by using a so-called neural network. The current model can further be determined by means of what is known as shallow learning, by using a so-called support vector machine.

Preferably the device transfers the modeling data to the data management means at least partly in a first, earlier transfer step. Expediently the model is determined at least on the basis of the modeling data transferred in the first, earlier transfer step.

It is further preferred, in a second transfer step later in time, using the model from the data volume provided for a transfer, for the data that is actually to be transferred to the data management means to be selected and for the device to transfer the selected data to the data management means.

To transfer the modeling data, to select the data that is actually to be transferred to the data management means and/or to transfer the selected data, a switching unit can be provided in the device.

The second transfer step later in time can follow on from the first, earlier transfer step after an interval. It is preferred for the second transfer step later in time to follow the first, earlier transfer step, directly, i.e. without any time interval.

The modeling data can already have been obtained before the first transfer step. The data volume provided for a transfer can also have been obtained even before the first transfer step. The modeling data can comprise at least a part of the first-mentioned data volume provided for a transfer for example. I.e. the data to be transferred in the second transfer step later in time and the modeling data can be selected from one and the same database.

Preferably the modeling data is obtained within the first, earlier transfer step. It is further preferred if the volume of data provided for a transfer is obtained within the second transfer step later in time. Expediently the modeling data comprises at least a part of a volume of data other than the first-mentioned volume of data provided for a transfer.

When data of any given type is obtained then the invention preferably means by this that the data is established, determined, measured, read out and/or read in.

In the first, earlier transfer step all modeling data can be transferred to the data management means.

It is preferred that—in particular in the first, earlier transfer step—modeling data that is to be transferred to the data management means is selected from the modeling data using an earlier model. Further—in particular in the first, earlier transfer step—the device can transfer the selected modeling data to the data management means. The first-mentioned model can be determined at least on the basis of the transferred modeling data. This means that the earlier model can be updated when the first-mentioned model is determined. Expediently the earlier model is replaced/updated by the first-mentioned model.

If a few items of modeling data are not transferred in the first, earlier transfer step, the earlier model can be included for determining the first-mentioned model. This means that the first-mentioned model can be determined on the basis of the transferred modeling values and on the basis of the earlier model.

If a few items of modeling data are not transferred in the first, earlier transfer step, required data for the modeling data not transferred in the first, earlier transfer step can be determined on the basis of the earlier model. This required data sensibly lies within the earlier model. If the earlier model comprises an earlier mathematical function, the required data can lie at the earlier mathematical function for example. This required data can be included for determining the first-mentioned model. This means that the first-mentioned model can be determined on the basis of the transferred modeling values and on the basis of the required data.

Expediently the earlier model used in the first, earlier transfer step is an earlier mathematical model.

The earlier model used in the first, earlier transfer step can or will be predetermined. For example the earlier model used in the first, earlier transfer step can be predetermined by means of the data management means. In principle it is also possible for the earlier model used in the first, earlier transfer step to be predetermined by means of the device.

For example the earlier model can be predetermined initially and/or predetermined by a user. The earlier model can further have been determined.

Preferably the first-mentioned model is similar to the earlier model. Preferably the first-mentioned model maps the modeling data better than the earlier model.

The first-mentioned model can comprise a mathematical function. The first-mentioned model can further comprise a tolerance range. Preferably the tolerance range lies around the mathematical function. The tolerance range can be predetermined explicitly or implicitly. For example the tolerance range can be dependent on the modeling data and/or on the model. For example the tolerance range can be a predetermined multiple of a standard deviation of the function. The multiple can be any given real number, i.e. it does not have to involve an integer multiple. The tolerance range can further be a percentage figure that determines how much modeling data lies within the tolerance range.

Expediently—especially in the second, later transfer step—the data that lies within the tolerance range is not selected and thus not transferred to the data management means. It is further preferred if—especially in the second, later transfer step—the data that lies outside the tolerance range is selected and thus transferred to the data management means.

The method and/or its variations can be repeated.

Preferably, using the data transferred in the second transfer step, an updated model is determined. In a third transfer step, which lies after the second transfer step in time, using the updated model, the data from a volume of data provided for a transfer that is actually to be transferred to the data management means can be selected and the device can transfer the selected data to the data management means.

The volume of data provided for transfer in the third transfer step can be the same as the volume of data provided in the second transfer step.

Preferably the volume of data provided for transfer in the third transfer step differs from the volume of data provided in the second transfer step. For example the volume of data provided for transfer in the third transfer step can be obtained within the third transfer step.

In principle it is possible for the updated model to be determined using the same modeling data as the first-mentioned model. This is then possible if the modeling data and the volume of data provided for a transfer have the same database. The modeling data and the volume of data provided for a transfer expediently differ.

The volume of data provided in the second transfer step for a transfer preferably forms updated modeling data. Using the data transferred in the second transfer step an updated model can be determined that expediently describes the updated modeling data.

In the determination of the updated model the first-mentioned model can be updated. Expediently the first-mentioned model is replaced/updated by the updated model.

Preferably the method is repeated several times, so that the first-mentioned model is updated several times.

The first-mentioned model can be determined and/or updated at a predetermined point in time. For example the first-mentioned model can be determined and/or updated at an explicitly predetermined point in time, for example at a predetermined time of day or after a predetermined period of time, for example after 5 minutes, after 1 hour or after 12 hours. The first-mentioned model can further be determined and/or updated at an implicitly predetermined point in time. For example, the first-mentioned model can then be determined and/or updated when a predetermined amount of data has been transferred to the data management means, for example overall or within a predetermined period of time. The first-mentioned model can further be determined and/or updated when the data transferred to the data management means has specific features, e.g. a specific pattern.

The volume of data provided for a transfer can comprise time-dependent data. The volume of data provided for a transfer can further comprise location-dependent data. The volume of data provided for a transfer can further comprise multi-dimensional data.

The invention and/or its developments can be realized as software and/or as hardware, the latter for example by using a specific electrical circuit.

A realization of the invention and/or of its development described is possible—at least partly, and also in its entirety—by a computer-readable storage medium, on which a computer program with commands is stored, which commands, when they are executed on a computer, cause the computer to carry out the invention or its development.

The invention further relates to a switching unit for transferring data from a device to a data management means. In accordance with the invention the switching unit is configured, by using a model that is determined using modeling data present in the device, and which describes the modeling data, to select from a volume of data provided for a transfer the data that is actually to be transferred to the data management means. The switching unit can further be configured to transfer the selected data to the data management means.

The switching unit can be realized as software and/or hardware, the latter for example by using a specific electrical circuit. The switching unit can be what is referred to as a gateway for example.

Preferably the switching unit is a part of the device.

The inventive switching unit can be employed to carry out the previously mentioned method.

Preferably the model is determined by means of the data management means. The advantage when the model is determined by means of the data management means lies in there usually being sufficient processing power or processing capacity present in the data management means for determining the model. The switching unit can further be kept quite lean in this way. This means that processing power or processing capacity for determining the model does not have to be provided in the switching unit.

The invention further relates to a device with a switching unit for transferring data to a data management means. The last-mentioned switching unit can be the switching unit previously mentioned.

In accordance with the invention the last-mentioned switching unit is configured, using a model that is determined using modeling data present in the device and which describes the modeling data, to select from a volume of data provided for a transfer the data that is actually to be transferred to the data management means. The device is further configured to transfer the selected data to the data management means. In particular the switching unit can be configured to transfer the selected data to the data management means.

The invention is further directed to a system comprising a data management means and the inventive device.

The data management means is configured in accordance with the invention, using modeling data present in the device, to determine a model that describes the modeling data.

In accordance with the invention the device has a switching unit, which is configured, using the model, to select from a volume of data provided for a transfer the data that is actually to be transferred to the data management means.

The device, in particular its switching unit, is further configured to transfer the selected data to the data management means.

The system can be employed to carry out the method previously described. In particular the elements of the system can be the elements stated in conjunction with the method.

The description of advantageous embodiments of the invention given previously contains numerous features, which in some cases are reproduced in the individual dependent claims grouped together in multiples. These features can however also expediently be considered on their own and grouped together into further sensible combinations. In particular these features are able to be combined individually and in any given suitable combination with the inventive method and the inventive switching unit, the inventive device and/or the inventive system. In this way the method features are also to be seen as a characteristic of the switching unit, the device and/or the system formulated in figurative terms and vice versa.

Even if the few terms used in the description and in the claims are used in the singular or in conjunction with a numeral in each case, the scope of the invention is not intended to restrict these terms to the singular or to the respective numeral.

The characteristics, features and advantages of this invention and also the manner in which these are achieved will become clearer and easier to understand in conjunction with the description of the exemplary embodiments given below, which are explained in greater detail in conjunction with the drawings. The exemplary embodiments serve to explain the invention and do not restrict the invention to the combination of features specified therein, not even in relation to functional features. Furthermore features of each exemplary embodiment suitable for the purpose can also be considered explicitly in isolation, removed from an exemplary embodiment, inserted into another exemplary embodiment to supplement it and be combined with any given one of the claims.

In the figures:

FIG. 1 shows a system comprising a data management means and a device with a switching unit;

FIG. 2 shows a time-dependent sequence of data with a first function; and

FIG. 3 shows a function from FIG. 2 updated on the basis of the time-dependent sequence of data.

FIG. 1 shows a system 2 with a data management means 4 and a device 6. The device 6 comprises a switching unit 8. The device 6 furthermore comprises at least one sensor 10. The sensor 10 is connected to the switching unit 8 via a data connection 12.

A number of items of data (cf. FIG. 2) are obtained in the device 6. For example the data is measured in the device 6 by means of the sensor 10. The data is time-dependent measured values of the sensor 10 for example.

In the present example the data obtained corresponds to the volume of data provided for a transfer.

The obtained data, which forms the volume of data provided for the transfer, is transferred to the data management means 4 in part in three transfer stages.

The three transfer stages are shown in FIG. 2 to FIG. 4.

FIG. 2 shows a diagram 18. A time t is plotted on the x axis 22 of the diagram. Any given parameter y can be plotted on the y axis 24 of the diagram 18. In this example the time-dependent measurement value of the sensor 10 is plotted on the y axis 24.

Shown by way of example in FIG. 2 as crosses is modeling data 26. The modeling data 26 has been obtained in the device within a first transfer step 28, which extends from t₀ to t₁. The modeling data has been obtained in the device in this example within the first transfer step 28.

In this example all of the modeling data 26 is transferred to the data management means 4. It would also be possible for only a part of the modeling data 26 to be transferred to the data management means 4. The arrow 16 depicted in FIG. 1 illustrates (inter alia) the—at least partial—transfer of the modeling data 26 from the device 6 to the data management means 4.

The data management means 4 determines a first model 30 on the basis of the transferred modeling data 26. The first model 30 is shown by way of example in FIG. 3.

FIG. 3 shows a diagram 32. The description given below is essentially restricted to the differences from the diagram depicted in FIG. 2, to which the reader is referred as regards features that remain the same. Features that essentially remain the same are basically labeled with the same reference numbers and features not mentioned are adopted into the exemplary embodiment given below without being described once again.

The first model 30, which was determined on the basis of the modeling data 26 from FIG. 2, is entered in the diagram 32. In this example the first model 30 has a mathematical function f(t), which is shown in the drawing as a solid line 34. The model further has a tolerance range. The tolerance range lies around the mathematical function f(t). In the drawing the tolerance range is delimited by two dashed lines 36, so that the tolerance range is located between the two dashed lines 36 in FIG. 3.

The width of the tolerance range can be dependent on the function f(t). For example the width of the tolerance range can be a predetermined multiple of a maximum value of the function f(t).

In this example the width of the tolerance range is selected in such a way that the shortest distance between each point on one of the dashed lines 36 to the function f(t) is equal to A. The tolerance range can be selected in another way however.

The first model 30 is transferred from the data management means 4 to the switching unit 8. The transfer of the first model 30 is shown in FIG. 1 by an arrow 14 from the data management means 4 to the switching unit 8.

Within the second transfer step 38, which is later in time than the first transfer step 28, further data is obtained. In this example the second transfer step 38 follows on from the first transfer step 28. The second transfer step 38 lies between the predetermined start time t₁ and the predetermined end time t₂.

The data obtained in the second transfer step 38 represents a volume of data 40 provided for a transfer. The volume of data 40 provided for a transfer, i.e. here the data obtained in the second transfer step 38, is shown as crosses in FIG. 2.

Using the first model 30, the data that is actually to be transferred to the data management means 4 is selected from the volume of data 40 provided for a transfer. The device 6, in particular the switching unit 8, transfers the selected data to the data management means 4. The transfer of the selected data from the device 6, in particular from the switching unit 8, to the data management means 4 is shown in FIG. 1 by means of an arrow 16.

The data management means 4 receives the transferred data and stores it.

The data that lies within the tolerance range 2Δ—i.e. here the data that lies in FIG. 3 between the two dashed lines 36—is not selected and is thus not transferred to the data management means 4.

The data that lies outside the tolerance range 2Δ is shown in in FIG. 3 as a cross surrounded by a circle. The data that lies outside the tolerance range 2Δ is selected and is thus transferred to the data management means 4.

The volume of data 40 provided for a transfer in the second transfer step 38 forms updated modeling data 42. Using the data transferred in the second transfer step 38, the data management means 4 determines an updated model 44. The updated model 44 describes the updated modeling data 42. The updated model 44 is shown in FIG. 4.

In this example the updated model 44 has an updated function f_(a)(t).

In particular the updated model 44 has been determined at least on the basis of the data transferred in the second transfer step.

Only a part of the volume of data 40 provided for a transfer has been transferred to the data management means 4.

The updated model 44 can (additionally) be determined using the earlier, first model 30. This means that, to determine the updated function f_(a)(t), the previous function f(t) is also included.

To determine the updated function f_(a)(t), a predetermined data rate can further be included. The data rate corresponds to the amount of data per unit of time. This means that the gap between two items of data corresponds to the inverse of the data rate. For example the data rate can be predetermined by a controller of the device 6 and/or by the sensor 10. The data rate can be transferred to the data management means 4, entered into the data management means 4 and/or determined by the data management means 4 (in particular on the basis of the transferred data.

Required data for non-transferred data is computed from the previous function f(t) and also from the predetermined data rate. The respective time value for which the non-transferred data is obtained can be determined on the basis of the data rate for example. The required data can comprise the function value f(t) for the respective time value and the respective time value for example.

This required data for non-transferred data is likewise included for updating of the function. The updated function f_(a)(t) is determined on the basis of the data transferred in the second transfer step 38 and the required values for non-transferred data.

FIG. 4 shows a diagram 46. The description given below is essentially restricted to the differences from the diagram depicted in FIG. 3, to which the reader is referred as regards features that remain the same. Features that essentially remain the same are basically labeled with the same reference numbers and features not mentioned are adopted into the exemplary embodiment given below without being described once again.

Entered in the diagram 46 is the updated model 44 that was determined using the volume of data 40 provided for a transfer in the second transfer step, which corresponds to the updated modeling data 42.

In this example the updated model 44 has an updated function f_(a)(t), which is shown in the drawing as a solid line 34. The model further has a tolerance range—updated if necessary. The tolerance range (updated if necessary) lies around the mathematical function f_(a)(t). In the drawing the tolerance range (updated if necessary) is delimited by two dashed lines 36, so that the tolerance range (updated if necessary) is located between the two dashed lines 36 in FIG. 4.

A third transfer step 48 lies at a time after the second transfer step 38. The third transfer step 48 here follows on directly from the second transfer step 38 and begins at start time t₂.

In the third transfer step 48 further data is obtained in the device 6. The data obtained in the third transfer step 48 represent a volume of data 40 provided for a transfer. The volume of data 40 provided for a transfer, i.e. here the data obtained in the second transfer step 38, is shown in FIG. 4 as crosses.

In the third transfer step 48, using the updated model 44 from the volume of data 40 provided for a transfer, the data that is actually to be transferred to the data management means 4 is selected and the device transfers the selected data to the data management means 4. The selection in the third transfer step 48 is made in a similar way to the selection in the second transfer step 38 (cf. FIG. 3).

On the basis of the data transferred in the third transfer step 48, the updated model 44 can in turn be updated.

As a result of the method described the entire volume of data 40 provided for a transfer does not have to be transferred to the data management means 4. By selecting the data actually to be transferred to the data management means 4, the amount of data transferred—and thus the volume of data transferred—can be reduced. For example the amount of data transferred—and thus preferably the volume of data transferred—can be reduced by at least 50%, preferably by at least 80%.

Although the invention has been illustrated and described in greater detail by the preferred exemplary embodiments, the invention is not restricted by the disclosed examples and other variations can be derived herefrom by the person skilled in the art without departing from the scope of protection of the invention. 

1. A method for transferring data from a device in an automation plant to a data manager, the method comprising: determining, using modeling data present in the device, a model that describes the modeling data; selecting, using the model, the data from a volume of data provided for a transfer that is actually to be transferred to the data manager, and transferring, by the device, the selected data to the data manager, wherein the method is carried out by a gateway of the device, wherein the data manager is a cloud, an Internet of Things service, or the cloud and the Internet of Things service, wherein a number of automation devices are connected to the device, wherein data transferred from an automation device of the number of automation devices is operable to control a process running in the plant using a controller, and wherein the device receives the volume of data provided for the transfer, and the volume of data includes all data transferred from the number of automation devices to the device.
 2. (canceled)
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the device transfers at least part of the modeling data to the data manager, and the model is determined by the data manager.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the device transfers at least part of the modeling data to the data manager in a first, earlier transfer step, and the model is determined at least based on the transferred modeling data, and wherein in a second transfer step later in time, using the model, the data from the volume of data provided for the transfer that is actually to be transferred to the data manager is selected, and the device transfers the selected data to the data manager.
 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the modeling data is obtained within the first, earlier transfer step, and the volume of data provided for the transfer is obtained within the second, later transfer step.
 6. The method of claim 4, wherein in the first, earlier transfer step, the method further comprises: selecting, using an earlier model, modeling data from modeling data that is to be transferred to the data manager, and transferring, by the device, the selected modeling data to the data manager, wherein determining the model comprises determining the model based on the transferred modeling data.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the determined model is predetermined.
 8. The method of claim 6, further comprising determining required data for the modeling data not transferred in the first, earlier transfer step based on the determined model when a number of items of the modeling data are not transferred in the first, earlier transfer step, wherein the required data is included for determining the model.
 9. The method of claim 4, further comprising determining an updated model using the data transferred in the second transfer step, wherein in a third transfer step, which lies after the second transfer step in time, the method further comprises: selecting the data from the volume of data provided for the transfer that is actually to be transferred to the data manager using the updated model; and transferring, by the device, the data selected in the third transfer step to the data manager.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the volume of data provided for a transfer in the second transfer step forms updated modeling data; and wherein the method further comprises determining an updated model that describes the updated modeling data using the data transferred in the second transfer step.
 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the model comprises a mathematical function and a tolerance range, wherein function values of the mathematical function lie within the tolerance range, and wherein data that lies within the tolerance range is not selected and is thus not transferred to the data manager.
 12. The method of claim 1, wherein the model comprises a mathematical function and a tolerance range, wherein function values of the mathematical function lie within the tolerance range, and wherein data that lies outside the tolerance range is selected and is thus transferred to the data manager.
 13. A system comprising: a switching unit for transferring data from a device to a data manager, an automation plant comprising a number of automation devices, the switching unit being arranged in the automation plant, wherein the switching unit is configured to: select, using a model that is determined using modeling data present in the device and describes the modeling data, from a volume of data provided for a transfer, data that is actually to be transferred to the data manager; and transfer the selected data to the data manager, wherein the switching unit is connected to the number of automation devices via a data connection, via which the data is provided, wherein the switching unit is a gateway, wherein the data manager is a cloud, an Internet of Things service, or the cloud and the Internet of Things service, wherein data transferred from an automation device of the number of automation devices is configured to control a process running in the automation plant by a controller, and wherein the device is configured to receive the volume of data provided for a transfer, and wherein the volume of data includes all data transferred from the number of automation devices to the device.
 14. (canceled)
 15. (canceled)
 16. A switch unit for a system, the system comprising: the switching unit for transferring data from a device to a data manager; an automation plant comprising a number of automation devices, the switching unit being arranged in the automation plant, wherein the switching unit is configured to: select, using a model that is determined using modeling data present in the device and describes the modeling data, from a volume of data provided for a transfer, data that is actually to be transferred to the data manager; and transfer the selected data to the data manager, wherein the switching unit is connected to the number of automation devices via a data connection, via which the data is provided, wherein the switching unit is a gateway, wherein the data manager is a cloud, an Internet of Things service, or the cloud and the Internet of Things service, wherein data transferred from an automation device of the number of automation devices is configured to control a process running in the automation plant by a controller, and wherein the device is configured to receive the volume of data provided for a transfer, and wherein the volume of data includes all data transferred from the number of automation devices to the device. 